written for creative writing class - we were supposed to write about something we were afraid of.

He gnashes his teeth,
he picks them clean,
pieces left from his previous victim.

He looks at me
with his yellow eyes,
and blinks.

This animal comes closer
bound by a chain,
snarling something awful.
I can almost hear him
cursing at me
in dog-speak.

The canine waits
anxiously
for his perfect moment.
He lunges suddenly
running full speed,
and I hear the links break apart.

All of the sudden
my legs are carrying me away.
I run across the yard,
sprint through the garage and towards the door.
I can smell his rank breath.

I slam this wooden hero
in his wicked face.
And my life is saved.